Inventory management

ABSTRACT

Methods, apparatuses, and systems associated with inventory management are described. Examples can include receiving at a processor first signaling from a first sensor device configured to monitor the interior of a first enclosure and receiving at the processor second signaling from a second sensor device configured to monitor the interior of a second enclosure. Examples can include writing from the processor to a storage device coupled to the processor data that is based at least in part on a combination of the first and second signaling, identifying a quantity or amount of at least one item in the first enclosure and at least one item in the second enclosure, and transmitting third signaling when the quantity or amount of the at least one item in the first enclosure or the at least one item in the second enclosure is less than a threshold value.

PRIORITY INFORMATION

This Application is a Divisional Application of U.S. application Ser.No. 16/997,785, filed on Aug. 19, 2020, the content of which areincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to apparatuses, systems, andmethods associated with inventory management.

BACKGROUND

Memory devices are typically provided as internal, semiconductor,integrated circuits in computers or other electronic systems. There aremany different types of memory including volatile and non-volatilememory. Volatile memory can require power to maintain its data (e.g.,host data, error data, etc.) and includes random access memory (RAM),dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), static random-access memory (SRAM),synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM), and thyristor randomaccess memory (TRAM), among others. Non-volatile memory can providepersistent data by retaining stored data when not powered and caninclude NAND flash memory, NOR flash memory, and resistance variablememory such as phase change random access memory (PCRAM), resistiverandom-access memory (RRAM), and magnetoresistive random access memory(MRAM), such as spin torque transfer random access memory (STT RAM),among others.

Memory devices can be coupled to another device (e.g., a computingdevice, a processing resource, etc.) to store data, commands, and/orinstructions for use by the device while the computer or electronicsystem is operating. For example, data, commands, and/or instructionscan be transferred between the other device and the memory device(s)during operation of a computing or other electronic system.

A package can be a casing containing one or more semiconductor devicesor integrated circuits. Individual components can be fabricated beforebeing packaged. The package can be connected to an external environment,such as printed circuit board, via leads such as lands, balls, or pins,among others.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example apparatus having a processor, acontroller, and a sensor device thereon in accordance with a number ofembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is another diagram of an example apparatus having a processor, acontroller, and a sensor device thereon in accordance with a number ofembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram in the form of an example systemfor inventory management in accordance with a number of embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is another functional block diagram in the form of an examplesystem for inventory management in accordance with a number ofembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram representing an example method for inventorymanagement in accordance with a number of embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram representing another example method forinventory management in accordance with a number of embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Apparatuses, systems, and methods related to inventory management aredescribed. Inventory includes business and personal inventory. Forinstance, business inventory includes the goods and materials that abusiness holds for the ultimate goal of resale (or repair). Personalinventory includes goods and materials held for personal use that may ormay not be consumed. Inventory management includes specifying the shapeand placement of stocked goods (e.g., how to store inventory),determining when more goods may be needed, and determining when and howto order or restock the goods, among others. For instance, inventory caninclude work within the process of production and/or work that occursprior to completion of production and/or departure from a facility(e.g., in a manufacturing environment). Inventory may be located ormanaged at different locations within a location (e.g., facility,office, home, etc.) or within multiple locations of a supply network toprecede the regular and planned course of production and stock ofmaterials.

Examples of the present disclosure can improve inventory managementefficiency by improving communication between different locationsassociated with the inventory management. Apparatuses can be placed indifferent locations to collect and manage inventory informationassociated with their respective location. The apparatuses cancommunicate with one another to combine and share the inventoryinformation and perform actions based on the combined/sharedinformation. For instance, actions can include recommendations oninventory contents, ordering of inventory that is below a particularthreshold, tracking expiration dates, etc. This can result in increasedefficiency and reduced costs associated with business and personalinventory, for instance.

Examples of the present disclosure can include receiving at a processorfirst signaling from a first sensor device that comprises at least oneof an image sensor, a temperature sensor, a sonic sensor, a pressuresensor, a proximity sensor, or any combination thereof, the first sensordevice configured to monitor the interior of a first enclosure andreceiving at the processor second signaling from a radio incommunication with a second sensor device that comprise at least one ofan image sensor, a temperature sensor, a sonic sensor, a pressuresensor, a proximity sensor, or any combination thereof, the secondsensor configured to monitor the interior of a second enclosure.

Examples can further include writing from the processor to a storagedevice coupled to the processor data that is based at least in part on acombination of the first and second signaling, identifying at theprocessor or another processor a quantity or amount of at least one itemin the first enclosure and at least one item in the second enclosurebased at least in part on the data written to the storage device, andtransmitting third signaling via the radio when the quantity or amountof the at least one item in the first enclosure or the at least one itemin the second enclosure is less than a threshold value.

Other examples of the present disclosure can include a system includinga first apparatus located in a first location and a second apparatuslocated in a second location and communicatively coupled to the firstapparatus. The first apparatus can include a first sensor device locatedwithin the interior of the first location. The first apparatus caninclude a first processor communicatively coupled to the first sensordevice, and the processor can receive first signaling from the firstsensor and write to a storage device coupled to the first processor afirst data set that is based at least in part on the first signaling.

The first apparatus can further include a first controller coupled tothe first processor and configured to track inventory informationassociated with the first location based at least in part on the firstdata set written to the storage device and communicate the inventoryinformation associated with the first location to the second apparatus.

The second apparatus can include a second sensor device located withinthe interior of the second location. The second apparatus can include asecond processor communicatively coupled to the second sensor device,and the processor can receive second signaling from the second sensorand write to a storage device coupled to the second processor a seconddata set that is based at least in part on the second signaling.

The second apparatus can further include a second controller coupled tothe second processor and configured to track inventory informationassociated with the second location based at least in part on the firstdata set written to the storage device, communicate the inventoryinformation associated with the second location to the second apparatus,and request inventory from the first location based on the communicatedinventory information associated with the first location and the secondlocation.

Yet other examples of the present disclosure can include an apparatusincluding a sensor device and a camera device configured to monitor alocation in which the apparatus is located, a storage device configuredto store the inventory information, and an access device configured toallow access the inventory information. The apparatus can include aprocessor communicatively coupled to the access device and configured toreceive first signaling from the sensor device and second signaling froma communication device of the apparatus in communication with a secondsensor device configured to monitor a different location. The apparatuscan include a storage device configured to receive and store inventoryinformation written to the storage device from the processor that isbased at least in part on a combination of the first and the secondsignaling.

The apparatus can further include an access device configured to allowaccess to the inventory information, a controller communicativelycoupled to the processor and configured to track the inventoryinformation and manage the inventory information and inventoryinformation associated with the different location.

In the following detailed description of the present disclosure,reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof,and in which is shown by way of illustration how one or more embodimentsof the disclosure can be practiced. These embodiments are described insufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art topractice the embodiments of this disclosure, and it is to be understoodthat other embodiments can be utilized and that process, electrical, andstructural changes can be made without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” can include bothsingular and plural referents, unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise. In addition, “a number of,” “at least one,” and “one or more”(e.g., a number of memory devices) can refer to one or more memorydevices, whereas a “plurality of” is intended to refer to more than oneof such things. Furthermore, the words “can” and “may” are usedthroughout this application in a permissive sense (i.e., having thepotential to, being able to), not in a mandatory sense (i.e., must). Theterm “include,” and derivations thereof, means “including, but notlimited to.” The terms “coupled,” and “coupling” mean to be directly orindirectly connected physically or for access to and movement(transmission) of commands and/or data, as appropriate to the context.The terms “data” and “data values” are used interchangeably herein andcan have the same meaning, as appropriate to the context.

The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the firstdigit or digits correspond to the figure number and the remaining digitsidentify an element or component in the figure. Similar elements orcomponents between different figures can be identified by the use ofsimilar digits. For example, 102 can reference element “02” in FIG. 1 ,and a similar element can be referenced as 202 in FIG. 2 . Multipleanalogous elements within one figure may be referenced with a referencenumeral followed by a hyphen and another numeral or a letter. Forexample, 310-1 may reference element 10-1 in FIGS. 3 and 310-2 mayreference element 10-2, which can be analogous to element 10-1. Suchanalogous elements may be generally referenced without the hyphen andextra numeral or letter. For example, elements 310-1 and 310-2 may begenerally referenced as 310. As used herein, designators such as “N”,“M”, etc., particularly with respect to reference numerals in thedrawings, indicate that a number of the particular feature sodesignation can be included. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

As will be appreciated, elements shown in the various embodiments hereincan be added, exchanged, and/or eliminated so as to provide a number ofadditional embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, theproportion and/or the relative scale of the elements provided in thefigures are intended to illustrate certain embodiments of the presentdisclosure and should not be taken in a limiting sense.

Some examples of the present disclosure include inventory managementapparatuses, systems, and methods that allow for managing inventory andcommunicating inventory information between and among locations. Forinstance, inventory information in a first location can be shared with asecond location, and vice versa. Inventory at both the first locationand second location can be managed together to improve efficiency andlower costs by reducing waste and improving replenishment of supplies,for instance.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example apparatus 100 (e.g., a package) havinga processor 110, a controller 108, and a sensor device 102 thereon inaccordance with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure. Theapparatus 100, in some examples can comprise a flexible polymer material114 such as a silicon material, among other flexible polymer materials.

The apparatus 100 can include a processor 110, a controller 108, astorage device 106, an access device, 104, a sensor device 102, and acamera device 112. The illustrated elements may be communicativelycoupled to some or all of the other elements of the apparatus 100, insome examples. For instance, the processor 110 may be communicativelycoupled the access device 104, and the controller 108 may becommunicatively coupled to the processor 110, among other couplings ofelements of the apparatus 100. “Communicatively coupled,” as usedherein, can include coupled via various wired and/or wirelessconnections between devices such that data can be transferred in variousdirections between the devices. The coupling may not be a directconnection, and in some examples can be an indirect connection.

The sensor device 102 can monitor a location in which the apparatus 100is located, and the monitoring can include detecting events or changesin the environment and sending the information to other electronics,such as the processor 110. For instance, the sensor device 102 caninclude a relative humidity (RH) sensor, a temperature sensor, a weightsensor, a light sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow measurement sensor, achemical sensor, a biosensor, an image sensor, a sonic sensor, a speedsensor, a weather sensor, a pollution sensor, a lighting sensor, asecurity sensor, a gas sensor, or a combination thereof. Other sensordevices may also be present on the apparatus 100.

The camera device 112 can include an optical instrument used to recordimages. For instance, the camera device 112 may be a still or videocamera device to record and/or track movement of inventory, userbehavior, and/or information on inventory packaging (e.g., expirationdates, use-by dates, sell-by dates, products names, product brands,product sizes, etc.), among others.

The access device 104 can be a DRAM device in some examples, and thestorage device 106 can be a NAND device in some instances, thoughexamples of the present disclosure are not so limited and may includeother volatile and/or non-volatile memory types. The access device 104can be configured to allow access to the inventory information, whichmay be, at least in part, stored in the storage device 106. The storagedevice 106 can be configured to store inventory information. Inventoryinformation can include inventory contents of the location,environmental information associated with the location information(e.g., humidity, temperature, etc.), inventory patterns of the locationlearned using artificial intelligence (AI), or a combination thereof.Inventory information may also include other information associated withcounting, collecting, comparing, etc. inventory such inventory quantity,inventory location, and inventory thresholds (e.g., quantities,temperatures, humidity, dates, etc.), among others.

Inventory patterns, as used herein, can include learned inventorybehavior such as how quickly an item is used up, what days of the weekor month or year something is used more often, where the most efficientorders come from, which items expire faster than others, how much leadtime is needed before ordering an item, which customers order items atwhich time, determine which items are most likely to become overstocked,etc. AI, as used herein, includes a controller, computing device, orother system to perform a task that normally requires humanintelligence. For instance, the controller 108 can perform a task (e.g.,tracking inventory patterns) that normally requires human intelligence.

The controller 108 can be coupled to the processor 110 and the storagedevice 106, and in some examples, the controller 108, the processor 110,and the storage device 106 can make up a combination of hardware andinstructions (e.g., machine-readable instructions) for inventorymanagement. The processor 110, in some examples, can receive firstsignaling from the sensor device 102 and second signaling from acommunication device of the apparatus 100 in communication with a secondsensor device configured to monitor a different location. As usedherein, signaling can include a communication (e.g., a radio signal)that carries data from one location to another. For instance, the firstsignaling may include environmental or other data associated with theapparatus 100, and the second signaling may include environmental orother data associated with a different location (e.g., a differentapparatus).

The processor 110, as used herein, can include a number of processingresources capable of executing instructions stored by a storage device106. For instance, the processor 110 can include an image processor. Theinstructions can include instructions stored on the storage device 106and executable by the processor 110 to implement a desired function(e.g., receive inventory information, manage inventory, etc.). In someexamples, the controller 108 is a microcontroller such that thecontroller 108 is a compact integrated circuit that may include or becommunicatively coupled to the processor 210, the storage device 206,and input/output (I/O) peripherals. The storage device 106 can receiveand store inventory information written to the storage device from theprocessor that is based at least in part on a combination of the firstand the second signaling. For instance, the inventory information caninclude an internal temperature of the apparatus 100 received via thefirst signaling and/or a humidity of a different location received viathe second signaling.

In some examples, the controller 108 is configured to track theinventory information and manage the inventory information and theinventory information associated with the different location. Forinstance, tracking the inventory information can include receivinginventory information from the sensor device 102 (e.g., via the firstsignaling), camera device 112, and/or another device (e.g., via thesecond signaling) and analyzing the inventory information. For instance,the controller 108 can track patterns in the inventory information(e.g., certain inventory runs out faster than others, certain inventoryis used up on certain days, deliveries happen certain days, and amongother patterns and trends), store the tracked inventory information inthe storage device 106 and access the inventory information via theaccess device 104.

Inventory information associated with a different location can bereceived via a communication device such as a radio, Universal SerialBus (USB) port, Handheld Device Markup Language (HDML)-enabled device,ethernet portion, wireless network card, Bluetooth device, and/oranother device. For instance, a different apparatus in a differentlocation (e.g., different location in a warehouse, differentgeographical location, etc.) may communicate with the controller 108inventory information that can be tracked and managed in combinationwith the inventory information associated with the location of theapparatus 100.

In some examples, managing the inventory information can include thecontroller 108 configured to share and request inventory updatesassociated with the location and the different location with a computingdevice and/or different processor located in the different location andcommunicatively coupled to the apparatus 100. For instance, some or allof the inventory information gathered and received can be managed andactions can be taken based on the managed inventory information. Forinstance, if a first location (e.g., wherein the apparatus 100 islocated) is below a threshold amount of item A, but a second location(e.g., the different location) has ample supply of item A, sharing ofthis inventory information between apparatuses in the differentlocations can result in the second location sending a supply of item Ato the first location.

For instance, if the apparatus 100 is located in a restaurant orcafeteria refrigerator, and using the sensor device 102 and the cameradevice 112, it detects that a particular type of cheese is running lowin inventory or has a nearing expiration date, the apparatus 100 cancommunicate with an apparatus in a different location (e.g., arefrigerator at a supplier of the restaurant or cafeteria) the inventoryinformation. An order can be placed for the particular type of cheese,improving the ordering process and efficiency. In such an example, analert may be sent to the restaurant, cafeteria, and/or the supplierletting them know of the communication, transaction, or a combinationthereof.

In the same example, the sensor device 102 may identify that the cheeseis a perishable item with a reduced shelf life. For instance, the sensordevice 102 may identify an approaching expiration date of the cheese ormay detect discoloration (e.g., mold) on the cheese and provide anotification to order more cheese or place the order. Examples are notlimited to perishable foods and may include non-perishable foods in arestaurant or cafeteria pantry, for instance. In addition, examplesherein are not limited to restaurants and cafeterias and may be appliedto inventory in different businesses and homes.

FIG. 2 is another diagram of an example apparatus 200 (e.g., package)having a processor 210, a controller 208, and a sensor device 202thereon in accordance with a number of embodiments of the presentdisclosure. Like the apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 , the apparatus200 includes a sensor device 202, an access device 204, a storage device206, a controller 208, a processor 110, and a camera device 212 locatedon a package of a particular material, for instance a flexible polymermaterial 214.

Coupled to the camera device 212 is a zoom line 230 and a motor driver228. The camera device 212 can include or be co-located with, in someinstances a zoom line, an ultraviolet (UV) light, a UVC light, aninfrared (IR) light, an x-ray device, an optical scanner, or acombination thereof, among others. The motor driver 228 can be amechanism that uses electrical and mechanical techniques toautomatically advance camera film and/or cock a camera shutter. Theapparatus may also include a lens motor, a focus motor, a shutter, or acombination thereof to use in associated with the cameral device 212.

In some examples, the apparatus can include a communication device,which can include a device or port to facilitate communication ofinventory information or other information. For instance, acommunication device may include a USB port 220, an HDML 222, anEthernet port 224, a wireless card, a wireless network connection, aBluetooth connection 226, or a combination thereof. Other communicationdevices or modes of communication such as a radio may be included as apart of the apparatus 200. Inventory information can be communicated,for instance, from the apparatus 200 to a different apparatus and/orcomputing device.

In some examples, the apparatus 200 includes an adhesion unit 218. Theadhesion unit 218 can be used to adhere, hang, or attach the apparatus200 to something (e.g., a wall, a device, a storage rack, a storageunit, a closet, etc.). For instance, the adhesion unit 218 can be aparticular material, hook, tape, etc. that can be attached to a desiredsurface for tracking inventory information.

In an example, the apparatus 200 can be located in a first location suchas a storage unit. The apparatus 200 may be in communication with acomputing device, such as a mobile device of an owner of the storageunit. The mobile device may have an application, for instance, that theowner can use to monitor and manage inventory in the storage unit. Forinstance, the sensor device 202 may include a temperature sensor formonitoring the temperature of the storage unit. The owner may storeitems that he or she desires to keep below a threshold temperature. Theapparatus 200, for instance via the controller 208, can alert the uservia a communication device if the storage unit rises above the thresholdtemperature. Similar, the sensor device 202 may include an RH sensor formonitoring RH levels.

In such an example, the apparatus 200 can be attached to a wall of thestorage unit or another location via the adhesion unit 218. Forinstance, an owner may choose to place the apparatus 200 in a locationsuch that the camera device 212 may monitor statuses of items, and if IRlights or X-ray devices are included, 3-dimensional stacked items andtheir volume may be monitored and managed. For instance, if the ownerstores camping supplies in the storage unit, the camera device 212 maydetect when the owner is running low on a particular supply (e.g.,firewood) and alert the owner via the application of the low inventory.In some examples, the controller 208 may initiate an order foradditional inventory if permitted by the owner. Items with expirationdates may be monitored in some examples, to determine if they should beremoved from the storage unit, replaced, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram in the form of an example system350 for inventory management in accordance with a number of embodimentsof the present disclosure. The system 350 can include an apparatus 300-1located in a location 332 (“Location 1”) and an apparatus 300-2 locatedin a location 334 (“Location 2”). The apparatuses 300 can be incommunication with one another, as further discussed herein. Differentlocations can be within a single, larger location (e.g., differentlocations in one warehouse, different locations within a singlerefrigerator, etc.) or completely different physical locations (e.g., awarehouse in City A and a warehouse in City B, locations in differentbuildings, etc.). While two locations 332 and 334 are illustrated inFIG. 3 , more than two locations may include apparatuses incommunication with one another. Locations, in some examples, can includeenclosures such that the location includes an area that is seal off witha natural or artificial barrier. Enclosures, for instance, includerefrigerators, closets/pantries, buildings, warehouses, rooms, etc.

The apparatuses 300 can include same or similar elements as those inapparatuses 100 and 200 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 , respectively. Forinstance, at least one of the apparatus 300-1 and the apparatus 300-2can include a camera device, an access device, a storage device, asensor device, an adhesion unit, a communication device, a controller308, a processor 310, a storage device, or a combination thereof. Theapparatuses 300 can include more or fewer elements than the apparatuses100 and 200.

The apparatus 300-1 can include a processor 310-1 coupled to acontroller 308-1, and the apparatus 300-2 can include a processor 310-2coupled to a controller 308-2. In some instances, the apparatus 300-1and the apparatus 300-2 are packages such as managed memory applicationsthat comprise flexible polymer materials 314-1 and 314-2, respectively.The apparatus 300-1, in some examples, can include a first sensor devicelocated within the interior of Location 1 332. The sensor device can becommunicatively coupled to the processor 310-1 and can send signaling tothe processor 310-1 regarding the status of Location 1 332. Forinstance, the sensor device may be a temperature sensor that monitorsthe location 332 to determine if it rises or falls below a particulartemperature. This data can be sent to the processor 310-1. The processor310-1 can write a data set to a storage device to which the processor310-1 is coupled that is based at least in part on the signaling fromthe sensor device.

In some examples, as illustrated at blocks 340 and 342, the controller308-1 is configured to track inventory information associated withLocation 1 332 based at least in part on the first data set written tothe storage device and communicate the inventory information associatedwith the location 332 to the apparatus 300-2. For instance, thecontroller 308-1 can track inventory information associated with thelocation 332 using the sensor device, a camera device, or a combinationthereof. In such examples, the controller 308-2, as illustrated atblocks 344, 346, and 348, can be configured to track inventoryinformation associated with the location 334, communicate the inventoryinformation associated with the location 334 to the apparatus 300-1, andrequest inventory from the location 332 based on the communicatedinventory information associated with the location 332 and the location334. Communication, for instance can occur via a communication devicesuch as a radio.

The apparatus 300-2, in some examples, can include a second sensordevice located within the interior of Location 2 334. The sensor devicecan be communicatively coupled to the processor 310-2 and can sendsignaling to the processor 310-1 or the processor 310-2 regarding thestatus of Location 2 334. For instance, the sensor device may be atemperature sensor that monitors Location 2 334 to determine if it risesor falls below a particular temperature. This data can be sent to theprocessor 310-1 or the processor 310-2. The processor 310-1 or theprocessor 310-2 can write a data set to a storage device to which theprocessor 310-1 is coupled that is based at least in part on thesignaling from the sensor device.

For instance, in a non-limiting example, Location 1 332 may be a storageroom in a supply warehouse for a retail store having a store roomlocated in Location 2 334. The apparatus 300-2 may be located on a shelfof a particular merchandise type in the store room at Location 2 334.The controller 300-1 can track inventory information associated withLocation 1 332 and communicate the inventory information to theapparatus 300-2. Put another way, the processor 310-1 can identify aquantity or amount of at least one item in Location 1 332. For instance,the controller 300-1 may receive communication from a camera deviceand/or a sensor device that the storage room (e.g., Location 1 331) has300 units of the particular merchandise with expiration dates less thana year out and 100 units of the particular merchandise with expirationsdates more than a year out. This inventory information can becommunicated to the second apparatus (e.g., via the controller 308-2and/or a communication device) upon request, automatically,periodically, etc.

In the same example, Location 2 334 can include the controller 300-2configured to track inventory information associated with Location 2 334and communicate that inventory information to the first apparatus 300-1.The controller 300-2 can request inventory, for instance the particularmerchandise, from Location 1 332 (e.g., via the apparatus 300-1) basedon the communicated inventory information between the two locations 332,334. Put another way, the processor 310-2 can identify a quantity oramount of the at least one item in Location 2 334. For instance, thecontroller 300-2 can receive communication from a camera device, sensordevice, or a combination thereof, that the store room is running low ofthe particular type of merchandise. In response, the controller 300-2can request the particular type of merchandise from Location 1 332.

FIG. 4 is another functional block diagram in the form of an examplesystem for inventory management in accordance with a number ofembodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates a location 432(“Location 1”) communicatively coupled to a location 434 (“Location 2”).Location 2 434 includes a plurality of computing devices (e.g.,computing device A 454-1, . . . , computing device M 454-M)communicatively coupled to one another. A computing device is amechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy toperform or assist in the performance of human tasks. Examples includethin clients, personal computers, printing devices, laptops, mobiledevices (e.g., e-readers, tablets, smartphones, etc.),internet-of-things (IoT) enabled devices, and gaming consoles, amongothers. An IoT enabled device can refer to a device embedded withelectronics, software, sensors, actuators, and/or network connectivitywhich enable such devices to connect to a network and/or exchange data.Examples of IoT enabled devices include mobile phones, smartphones,tablets, phablets, computing devices, implantable devices, vehicles,home appliances, smart home devices, monitoring devices, wearabledevices, devices enabling intelligent shopping systems, among othercyber-physical systems.

The computing devices 454 can be communicatively coupled tosub-locations within Location 2 434 (e.g., sub-location A 456-1,sub-location B 456-2, . . . , sub-location N 456-N). For instance, asub-location may be a location within Location 2, such as a shelf, room,appliance, garage, cabinet, etc. located within Location 2. Eachsublocation 456 can include an apparatus 400-1, 400-2, . . . , 400-N)that may be analogous to apparatuses 100, 200, 300-1, and/or 300-2 asillustrated in FIGS. 1-3 . The computing devices 454 can receiveinventory information about the sub-locations 456, and in someinstances, one or more of the computing devices 454 can communicateinventory information to the computing device 452.

In a non-limiting example, the system of FIG. 4 may include a householdmanagement system. For instance, the sub-locations 456 may includelocations around a house such as a refrigerator, pantry, medicinecabinet, garage, master bedroom closet, laundry room, backpack, office,wine storage, bathroom, child's closet, etc. The computing devices 454can include computing devices belonging to members of the household(e.g., smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc.) having an applicationthereon to manage household inventory information. Each computing device454 can receive inventory information associated with a sub-location 456via an apparatus 400 located in the sub-location.

For example, an apparatus 400-1 may be located in a refrigerator. Theapparatus can track inventory information associated with therefrigerator using a camera device, IR light, X-ray devices, scentsensors, temperature sensors, etc. In some instance, the apparatus 400-1may include a UVC light device to destroy bacteria viruses, and/orharmful microbes on inventory contents. The controller can receiveinventory information related to expirations dates, shelf life, rottingfood, content in open containers, etc., and can provide the computingdevices 454 with alerts regarding the status of the inventory. Similar,the apparatus 400-1 may provide suggestions for meals based on food inthe refrigerator (e.g., and food in the pantry). The apparatus 400-1 canprovide to the computing devices 454 suggestions for ordering/purchasingnew items and can order the items upon request or as a programmedsetting. For instance, the apparatus 400-1 may scan barcodes upondetection of a new item and store inventory information (e.g.,expiration dates) to use when providing alerts and suggestions to thecomputing devices 454. The apparatus 400-1, in some instances, may learnthe household's eating habits (e.g., learn inventory patterns via AI)and suggest purchases prior to an inventory item running out.

Other apparatuses 400 may learn the household's inventory patterns, forinstance using AI. For instance, the apparatuses 400 may learn itemusage, budgets, proximity to stores, prescriptions, personalpreferences, etc., and consider these patterns when making suggestions,placing orders, etc.

In an example in which the sub-location is a medicine cabinet, anapparatus, for instance apparatus 400-2, can check for availablemedicine, make suggestions for usages of medicines, track expirationdevices, provide side effects and risks of medications, or a combinationthereof to the computing devices 454.

In some examples, the apparatuses 456 can store records of tracked itemssuch that they can be located using the computing devices 454. Forinstance, a shirt or other clothing item may be identified by a cameradevice of an apparatus 400 in the laundry room. This can be tracked to achild's bedroom through communication between the apparatuses 400 of thesublocations 456. When a child is looking for the shirt, he or she cancheck the application on his or her computing device 454 to locate theshirt. In another example, car keys may be tracked using apparatuses400, and locations can be communicated to the computing devices 454.Examples are not limited to the items discussed above and may includeother items in a household of which tracking may be desired.

In some examples, the apparatuses 400 can update overall inventorylists, which may be accessed via the computing devices 454. Forinstance, the apparatuses can inventory all detected bug spray bottlesand update as the number of bug spray bottles changes. In some instance,inventory scans by the apparatuses 400 can be made continuously suchthat updates are made in real-time, or inventory scans can be madeperiodically (e.g., scheduled daily, weekly, monthly, etc.).

In the non-limiting example, the computing device 452 may belong to anextended family member. For instance, if family members in Location 2434 are not able to leave their home due to a natural disaster, etc., orif family members in Location 2 434 are elderly and need assistance,inventory information associated with Location 2 434 can be shared withthe computing device 452 at Location 1 432, such that the extendedfamily member can pick up medicine (e.g., if the apparatus 400-2indicates a particular medication is low), order groceries, etc.Information available between computing devices 454 and 452 may bepassword-protected, encrypted, or a combination thereof.

In other examples, Location 1 432 may be an inventory office, and thecomputing device 452 may belong to an ordering manager for a warehouse.Location 2 434 may be the warehouse, with sub-locations 456 throughoutthe warehouse. The computing devices 454 may be used by workers in thewarehouse, and the workers can track and manage inventory using thecomputing device and inventory information received from the apparatuses400. The inventory information can be communicated to the computingdevice 452, for instance, when an ordering manager needs to place a neworder for a particular item.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram representing an example method 560 forinventory management in accordance with a number of embodiments of thepresent disclosure. The method 560 can be performed by a system orcontroller, such as the systems described with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4or the controllers described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2 .

At 562, the method 560 can include managing, at a controller in a firstlocation, inventory information associated with the first location. Forexample, managing inventory information associated with the firstlocation can include managing inventory information received at thecontroller in the first location from a sensor device, a camera device,or a combination thereof in the first location communicatively coupledto the controller in the first location. For instance, the controllercan receive inventory information about temperature, expiration dates,humidity, content, numbers, etc. from the sensor device and/or thecamera device.

For example, managing inventory information associated with the firstlocation can include monitoring environmental information associatedwith the first location. The inventory may be temperature-dependent(e.g., perishable), and the controller can receive information from atemperature sensor and use that information to manage the inventory. Forinstance, an alert can be sent out if the temperature rises above aparticular threshold, or a thermostat in the location may beautomatically turned down.

In some examples, managing the inventory information associated with thefirst location can include learning inventory patterns using AI. Forinstance, the controller may learn that a particular inventory typedepletes at a higher rate at the end of the month. For instance, userhabits over time may indicate that purchase orders for the particularinventory type increase near the end of the month, allowing forinventory patterns to be learned using AI based on user habits overtime. Based on this learned behavior the controller may suggestpreventative and/or alternative options such as ordering ahead of thistime frame to manage the inventory such that it does not run out.Another option may be searching associated inventory, for instance at anassociated location, as will be discussed further herein, for additionalinventory.

At 564, the method 560 can include receiving, at the controller in thefirst location, inventory information associated with a second location.For instance, the inventory information associated with the secondlocation can be received from a sensor device located in the secondlocation. In a non-limiting example, the second location may be anassociated business. For instance, the first location may be a firstlibrary within a library system, and the second location may be asecond, different library within the same library system. The secondlibrary may send inventory information associated with a particular bookto the first library, for instance. Another example may include a firstlocation of a retail store as the first location and a second locationof the same retail store as a second location. Alternatively, the secondlocation may be a supplier and/or warehouse of the retail store. Thefirst and second locations may communication information regardingclothing, accessories, etc. to one another.

The method 560, at 566, can include combining the inventory informationassociated with the first location and the inventory associated with thesecond location, and at 568, the method 560 can include managing thecombined inventory. For instance, managing the combined inventoryincludes determining inventory contents of the first location andinventory contents of the second location and comparing the inventorycontents of the first location and the inventory contents of the secondlocation. In the library example, the first and second libraries maydetermine which books they have available at each location and determineif some books should be moved to other locations. In the retail example,the first and second locations may determine which items are availableto customers and if any overstocked items should be moved to otherlocations. For instance, the first location may have no blue pants, butthe second location may have an excess number of blue pants.

At 570, the method 560 can include performing an action based on themanaged memory. Performing the action can include, for instance, thecontroller in the first location requesting inventory from the secondlocation (e.g., from a controller in the second location). For instance,the first library may be out of Book A, and may request one or morecopies of Book A from the second location if the combined inventoryinformation indicates the second location has a surplus of Book A. Insome examples, performing the action includes providing an inventoryrecommendation associated with the first location, the second location,or a combination thereof. For instance, if during inventory management,it is determined that neither location has a sufficient number of copiesof Book A, a recommendation can be made to order more copies or requestcopies from other locations. In the retail example, actions can includenotifying other locations of excess inventory, requesting or orderinginventory, providing recommendations of when to order particularinventory, etc.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram representing another example method 672 forinventory management in accordance with a number of embodiments of thepresent disclosure. The method 672 can be performed by a system orcontroller, such as the systems described with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4or the controllers described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2 .

At 674, the method 672 can include receiving at a processor firstsignaling from a first sensor device that comprises at least one of animage sensor, a temperature sensor, a sonic sensor, a pressure sensor, aproximity sensor, or any combination thereof, the first sensor deviceconfigured to monitor the interior of a first enclosure. Receiving thefirst signaling, for instance, can include receiving inventoryinformation associated with the first enclosure.

The first signaling can include wired or wireless communication, forinstance, with the processor. The interior of a first enclosure, forinstance, can include the interior of a first location such as arefrigerator, a warehouse, or some other enclosed located. A sensordevice or sensor devices may be located within the interior of the firstenclosure to monitor the interior of the first enclosure. For instance,a temperature or other environmental sensor may monitor how warm, cool,or humid the refrigerator or the warehouse is, and/or an image sensormay visually monitor food in the refrigerator for spoilage or boxes inthe warehouse for damage. Other monitoring may occur by the same ordifferent sensor devices.

At 676, the method 672 can include receiving at the processor secondsignaling from a radio in communication with a second sensor device thatcomprise at least one of an image sensor, a temperature sensor, a sonicsensor, a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, or any combinationthereof, the second sensor configured to monitor the interior of asecond enclosure. Receiving the first signaling, for instance, caninclude receiving inventory information associated with the firstenclosure. The second signaling can include wired or wirelesscommunication received at the processor via a radio or othercommunication device from the second sensor device. For instance, theradio may be communicatively coupled to the processor.

The interior of a second enclosure, for instance, can include theinterior of a second location such as a restaurant pantry, a differentwarehouse, or some other enclosed located. A sensor device or sensordevices may be located within the interior of the second enclosure tomonitor the interior of the second enclosure. For instance, a proximitysensor may monitor how full the restaurant pantry or the differentwarehouse is, and/or a pressure sensor may monitor weight of items foodin the restaurant pantry or boxes in the different warehouse forinventory purposes. Other monitoring may occur by the same or differentsensor devices.

At 678, the method 672 can include writing from the processor to astorage device coupled to the processor data that is based at least inpart on a combination of the first and second signaling. For instance,in the example above, data received at the processor about therefrigerator, the warehouse, the restaurant pantry, or the differentwarehouse may be combined and written to the storage device.

The method 672, at 680, can include identifying at the processor oranother processor a quantity or amount of at least one item in the firstenclosure and at least one item in the second enclosure based at leastin part on the data written to the storage device. For example, in theabove example, the processor or another processor may determine how muchfood is in the refrigerator or restaurant pantry (e.g., 10 gallons ofmilk in the refrigerator, 20 boxes of cereal in the restaurant pantry,etc.) and/or how many of a particular box (e.g., product) is in each ofthe warehouse and the different warehouse.

At 682, the method 672 can include transmitting third signaling via theradio when the quantity or amount of the at least one item in the firstenclosure or the at least one item in the second enclosure is less thana threshold value. For example, the third signaling can include arequest from the processor for the at least one item to be transferredto the first enclosure from the second closure when the quantity oramount is less than the threshold value in the first enclosure and arequest from the processor for the at least one item to be transferredto the second enclosure from the first closure when the quantity oramount is less than the threshold value in the second enclosure. Putanother way, in the warehouse example, if it is determined that thedifferent warehouse (second enclosure) has two boxes of a particulartype, which is below a desired threshold of three boxes of thatparticular type, third signaling can include a request to the warehouse(first enclosure) to send additional boxes to the different warehouse,if available.

In some examples, the processor and/or a controller to which it iscommunicatively coupled, can learn inventory patterns using AI. Forinstance, inventory patterns may include how quickly the particular boxtype is used up in the warehouse or the different warehouse, what daysof the week or month or year an item in the restaurant pantry is usedmore often, where the most efficient orders come from, which items inthe refrigerator expire faster than others, how much lead time is neededbefore ordering an item, which customers order items at which time,determine which items are most likely to become overstocked, etc.

In some instances, using the data written to the storage device, aninventory recommendation associated with the at least one item in thefirst enclosure, the second enclosure, or a combination thereof can bemade. For example, inventory contents of the first enclosure includingthe at least one item and inventory contents of the second enclosureincluding the at least one item can be determined. The inventorycontents of the first and the second enclosures can be compared, and arecommendation can be made. In the warehouse example, for instance,depending on how many of the particular box type is available in eachwarehouse, a recommendation can be made to order more of the particularbox type to one of the warehouses and/or delay an order to one of thewarehouses.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that anarrangement calculated to achieve the same results can be substitutedfor the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to coveradaptations or variations of one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure. It is to be understood that the above description has beenmade in an illustrative fashion, and not a restrictive one. Combinationof the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specificallydescribed herein will be apparent to those of skill in the art uponreviewing the above description. The scope of the one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure includes other applications inwhich the above structures and processes are used. Therefore, the scopeof one or more embodiments of the present disclosure should bedetermined with reference to the appended claims, along with the fullrange of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

In the foregoing Detailed Description, some features are groupedtogether in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining thedisclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the disclosed embodiments of the presentdisclosure have to use more features than are expressly recited in eachclaim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matterlies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus,the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separateembodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a first package located ina first location, comprising: a first sensor device located within theinterior of the first location; a first processor communicativelycoupled to the first sensor device to: receive first signaling from thefirst sensor; and write to a storage device coupled to the firstprocessor a first data set that is based at least in part on the firstsignaling; and a first controller coupled to the first processor andconfigured to: track inventory information associated with the firstlocation based at least in part on the first data set written to thestorage device; and communicate the inventory information associatedwith the first location to a second package; the second package locatedin a second location, communicatively coupled to the first package, andcomprising: a second sensor device located within the interior of thesecond location; and a second processor communicatively coupled to thesecond sensor device to: receive second signaling from the second sensordevice; and write to a storage device coupled to the first processor asecond data set that is based at least in part on the second signaling;and a second controller coupled to the second processor and configuredto: track inventory information associated with the second locationbased at least in part on the first data set written to the storagedevice; communicate the inventory information associated with the secondlocation to the first package; and request inventory from the firstlocation based on the communicated inventory information associated withthe first location and the second location.
 2. The system of claim 1,further comprising the first controller configured to track inventoryinformation associated with the first location using a camera device. 3.The system of claim 1, wherein the first package and the second packagecomprise a flexible polymer material.
 4. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising the first processor configured to identify a quantity oramount of at least one item in the first location and the secondprocessor configured to identify a quantity or amount of the at leastone item in the second location.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein atleast one of the first package and the second package further comprisesan access device, a storage device, or a combination thereof.
 6. Asystem, comprising: a first sensor device and a camera device configuredto monitor a location in which a package is located; a processorcommunicatively coupled to the first sensor device and configured toreceive first signaling from the first sensor device and secondsignaling from a communication device of the package in communicationwith a second sensor device of a different package configured to monitora different location; a storage device configured to receive and storeinventory information written to the storage device from the processorthat is based at least in part on a combination of the first and thesecond signaling; an access device configured to allow access to theinventory information; and a controller communicatively coupled to theprocessor and configured to: track the inventory information; and managethe inventory information and inventory information associated with thedifferent location.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the first sensordevice is a relative humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a weightsensor, a light sensor, or a combination thereof.
 8. The system of claim6, wherein the inventory information comprises inventory contents of thelocation and the different location, environmental informationassociated with the location and the different location, inventorypatterns of the location and the different location learned usingartificial intelligence (AI), or a combination thereof.
 9. The system ofclaim 6, wherein the access device is a dynamic random-access memory(DRAM) device and the storage device is a NAND device.
 10. The system ofclaim 6, wherein the controller configured to manage the inventoryinformation further comprises the controller configured to share andrequest inventory updates associated with the location and the differentlocation with a different processor located in the different locationand communicatively coupled to the package.
 11. The system of claim 6,wherein the controller is a microcontroller.
 12. A system, comprising: afirst package located in a first location, comprising: a first pluralityof sensor devices located within the interior of the first location andconfigured to monitor the interior of the first location; a firstprocessor communicatively coupled to a first sensor device of the firstplurality of sensor devices to: receive first signaling from the firstsensor device; and write to a storage device coupled to the firstprocessor inventory information that is based at least in part on thefirst signaling; a first controller coupled to the first processor andconfigured to: track the inventory information associated with the firstlocation; manage the inventory information associated with the firstlocation, wherein managing the inventory comprises: the first controlleradjusting a first temperature of the first location responsive to thefirst temperature falling outside of a first temperature threshold; andthe first controller initiating an order for additional inventory basedon the inventory contents of the first location falling below a firstthreshold inventory value; and share inventory updates associated withthe first location with a computing device located in a differentlocation and communicatively coupled to the first package based on themanaged inventory information associated with the first location; asecond package located in a second location, communicatively coupled tothe first package, and comprising: a second plurality of sensor deviceslocated within the interior of the second location and configured tomonitor the interior of the second location; a second processorcommunicatively coupled to a second sensor device of the secondplurality of sensor devices to: receive second signaling from the secondsensor device; and write to the storage device inventory informationthat is based at least in part on the second signaling; a secondcontroller coupled to the second processor and configured to: track theinventory information associated with the second location; manage theinventory information associated with the second location, whereinmanaging the inventory comprises: the second controller adjusting asecond temperature of the second location responsive to the secondtemperature falling outside of a second temperature threshold; and thesecond controller initiating an order for additional inventory based onthe inventory contents of the second location falling below a secondthreshold inventory value; and share inventory updates associated withthe second location with the computing device located in the differentlocation and communicatively coupled to the second package based on themanaged inventory information associated with the second location. 13.The system of claim 12, further comprising the first controllerconfigured to track inventory information associated with the firstlocation using a camera device.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein thefirst package and the second package comprise a flexible polymermaterial.
 15. The system of claim 12, further comprising the firstprocessor configured to identify a quantity or amount of at least oneitem in the first location and the second processor configured toidentify a quantity or amount of the at least one item in the secondlocation.
 16. The system of claim 12, wherein at least one of the firstpackage and the second package further comprises an access device, astorage device, or a combination thereof.
 17. The system of claim 12,further comprising a third package located in a third location withinthe second location, communicatively coupled to the first package andthe second package.
 18. The system of claim 12, wherein the inventoryinformation associated with the second location comprises inventorycontents of the second location, environmental information associatedwith the second location, and inventory patterns of the second location.19. The system of claim 12, wherein the inventory information associatedwith the first location comprises inventory contents of the firstlocation, environmental information associated with the first location,and inventory patterns of the first location.
 20. The system of claim12, wherein the first sensor device comprises at least one of an imagesensor, a temperature sensor, a sonic sensor, a pressure sensor, aproximity sensor, or any combination thereof.